News & Events in Belarus
Belarusian vytsinanka inscribed on UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list
MINSK, 4 December (BelTA) - On 4 December, during its 19th session in Asunción, Republic of Paraguay the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage decided to include Belarus’ nomination “Vytsinanka, the traditional art of paper cutting in Belarus” in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Vytsinanka is a traditional art of paper-cutting widely spread in Belarus. The craft, which originated in the 16th century, is now gaining a second wind. Exquisite and widely recognized as an element of Belarusian culture, the art of vytsinanka is actively used in the exterior and interior decoration of private homes and public places, such as offices, restaurants, cultural institutions, and theater sets. It is also an integral part of traditional festivals.
Vytsinanka is becoming increasingly creative, and its delicate designs are transferred to fabric and used as an element of clothing. Modern vytsinanka covers many themes reflecting the Belarusian way of life: admiration of nature, Belarusian history, mythology, customs and beliefs, rural and urban life. It is one of the aesthetic foundations of the Belarusian mentality and culture. In Belarus, both women and men of different ages strive to master this accessible but graceful craft that continues the ancient tradition of paper-cutting.
The inclusion of this craft in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity became possible due to the joint work of vytsinanka artisans and experts in the protection of intangible cultural heritage, the National Commission of the Republic of Belarus for UNESCO, the Culture Ministry, the Belarusian State University of Culture and Arts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Delegation of Belarus to UNESCO.
Vytsinanka became the sixth element from Belarus inscribed on the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage lists.
The other five are “Rite of the Kalyady Tsars (Christmas Tsars)” in Semezhevo, Kopyl District, Minsk Oblast (2009); “Celebration in honor of the Budslau icon of Our Lady (Budslau Fest)” in Myadel District, Minsk Oblast (2018); “Spring rite of Jurauski Karahod” in Pogost, Zhitkovichi District, Gomel Oblast (2019); “Tree beekeeping culture” (2020); “Straw weaving in Belarus, art, craft and skills” (2022).
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